Recently my a/c's performance has went downhill. I gave it a can of r134a and things went back to normal. About a week later I'm in the same situation. What is the correct procedure for introducing dye into the system? Also, does the red dye work fairly well? I'm trying to stay away from the type you need a uv light since I don't know anyone that has one and this is the only time I plan on having to use it.

Thanks,
Josh

 

I realize you want to do this yourself, but I would recommend taking it in and having it properly reclaimed, evacuated, and recharged to spec with the UV dye.

 

Josh, I would replace the high pressure line to the Condenser check to see if it has rubbed the battery box. It will usually leak there. The line is a dealer item $121. After you replace that you will need to replace the dryer about $80. Flush the system (I used Carb cleaner pushed with my air compressor) then right before having a vaccum pulled on the system put your dryer on. Have them pull vaccum for about 30 min. or so.

 

I've done A/C work in the past, and have access to all the tools to do it, but have never put dye in the system. I've seen cans of dye in the auto parts stores, but wasn't sure if it was as easy as hooking up the can and introducing it through the suction side.

I really would rather do this myself, so please help me out.

Thanks,
Josh

 

If you have the vacuum pump an gauges I would pull it down then add the dye bottle an let it pull it through the system. Have your a/c on high max.

 

you can also introduce dye into the system with an inline adapter, a reservoir that goes between can & center port on guages,pretty messy though.
look for oily spots on line connections and front of comp.